Allegiant Air Comes to Rockford

By Rebekah Baum&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Wed 6:22 PM, Sep 14, 2005&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 6:22 PM, Sep 14, 2005

Airport leaders says it's a winning hand for the community beginning Nov. 3, Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service from Rockford to Las Vegas, the airline will offer four flights a week out of RFD.

"Vegas has always been our crown jewel. We're running over 80 percent passengership to Vegas. We needed to bring a carrier in here that could support that type of membership and we wanted to have somebody here that could give us a schedule and with this schedule, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Monday--we now have Vegas under control," says Chairman of the Airport Board of Commissioners Mike Dunn.

The airport authority says it's been working for 18 months to secure the deal and it's perfect timing, this week, TMA announced it will no longer be offering service from Rockford to Vegas. TMA was dependent on Rockford and Cleveland ridership and the airline couldn't secure enough passengers out of Cleveland, the airlines managing director says Allegiant strives for hassle free travel.

"We've become addicted to small, secondary city airports. And I think what you'll find, as the airline industry changes in America over the next few years, particularly with the financial trouble it's having right now, the types of airports that have been built here that you're proud enough to have really will be the next wave of aviation growth going into the future," says Managing Director of Allegiant Air Ponder Harrison.

Allegiant will be offering flights on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Flights will depart Rockford at noon, return flights will leave Vegas at 6 a.m. If you looking to head out soon, you might want to act quickly because the airline is offering low introductory fares. Typically one-way fares will range between $89 and $200, you can book tickets now at www.allegiantair.com.

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